Economics
EU Nears Backing Rival WTO Candidate Over U.S. Pick as New Chief
- Bloc’s governments aim for Oct. 26 deal on preferred candidate
- Move would help Nigerian against U.S.-backed Korean contender
This article is for subscribers only.
The European Union moved closer to endorsing Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to lead the World Trade Organization, a step that would give her a big boost as the U.S. backs the only other contender in the final phase of the contest.
EU governments on Friday pushed forward a proposal to support Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian former finance minister, over Yoo Myung-hee, South Korea’s trade chief, in the race to become WTO director-general, according to officials familiar with the matter. The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because the talks in Brussels were confidential.